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396 reviews
Why on Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology by Vania Stoyanova, Rosiee Thor
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
AAAAAAHHHH. Okay this is one of my most anticipated this year, and I can now report that it didn't let me down π₯Ή
Why on Earth, as a whole anthology, was lovely and entertaining. It's equal parts funny, adventurous, and introspective. I think the authors did a great job crafting stories that interweave with each other, while also creating stories that represent being human and/or how it relates to being an alien.
Some of my favorite stories in here are:
- One Last Shot Before the End of the World By Julian Winters
- Red Carpet Blues by Rebecca Kim Wells
- A Taste of Country by M.K. England
- The Road Less Traveled (Because There's a Detour Sign) by Emily Lloyd-Jones
I'm on book tour for this book, with Colored Pages this February! Please look out for my post on my blog/booksta soon! π₯Ή
(Thanks to Colored Pages and Page Street YA for having me and sending an ARC. This of course did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters
Every time I read a Julian Winters book, I just know I'm going to have fun. This one is no exception!
Prince of the Palisades was one of my most anticipated last year! (of course, I didn't have time to read it, as usual), but I finally did, yes!
This was good. It was light, fun, entertaining. It was also messy. Partly because it's royal drama lol, and partly because of the usual YA romcom antics lol. I enjoyed the messy parts though, don't get me wrong!
The romance is cute. I do feel like it needed more? Like yes, they were good together, but I wanted more of the romance and the pining and the falling in love. (or maybe I just like angst too much and I read too many slow burn fanfics lol not really the book's fault).
I also feel like the plot could have been more compelling? Like I know this is romcom and we're not gonna have a high-stakes-end-of-the-world plot, of course. But Jadon's journey seemed a bit lacking for me? I don't know, but I guess I expected him to experience various significant obstacles and learning curves before fully developing as a person (and as a character). And I needed more of that.
I do appreciate that the story touched on a few topics like racism, the challenges of being queer and being Black, being silent vs. speaking up for others, the stark difference between media and reality, and more.
(((OH and if I did tear up at one point in the story, it would be when Jadon finally talked to his father.)))
Overall, I have to say, while this isn't my favorite from Julian Winters, I still enjoyed reading it. Also, my favorite character would have to be Mrs. Hayes lol. 3.5 stars!
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
You shouldn't be ashamed to be a rebel, my prince. Rebels won our people's freedom.
Every time I read a Julian Winters book, I just know I'm going to have fun. This one is no exception!
Prince of the Palisades was one of my most anticipated last year! (of course, I didn't have time to read it, as usual), but I finally did, yes!
This was good. It was light, fun, entertaining. It was also messy. Partly because it's royal drama lol, and partly because of the usual YA romcom antics lol. I enjoyed the messy parts though, don't get me wrong!
The romance is cute. I do feel like it needed more? Like yes, they were good together, but I wanted more of the romance and the pining and the falling in love. (or maybe I just like angst too much and I read too many slow burn fanfics lol not really the book's fault).
I also feel like the plot could have been more compelling? Like I know this is romcom and we're not gonna have a high-stakes-end-of-the-world plot, of course. But Jadon's journey seemed a bit lacking for me? I don't know, but I guess I expected him to experience various significant obstacles and learning curves before fully developing as a person (and as a character). And I needed more of that.
I do appreciate that the story touched on a few topics like racism, the challenges of being queer and being Black, being silent vs. speaking up for others, the stark difference between media and reality, and more.
(((OH and if I did tear up at one point in the story, it would be when Jadon finally talked to his father.)))
Overall, I have to say, while this isn't my favorite from Julian Winters, I still enjoyed reading it. Also, my favorite character would have to be Mrs. Hayes lol. 3.5 stars!
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Sexual content
Hungry Heart by Jem Milton
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Okay this was really cute! I didn't know much about the webcomic, but I think this was a good first volume.
The story was easy to follow and engaging. The art and colors itself of course were beautiful. However, sometimes the storytelling would feel disjointed? Like it would jump from tone to tone so suddenly? Start of the page is all serious and then at the end of the page, it's comedic and dramatic. I also did not like Laurie's friends (or should I say, Pepper's friends π). I don't know but I just don't like their vibes? I feel like Laurie was just going with the flow with them too.
Despite that, I still love that apart from the romance, it also highlighted on mental health struggles of the two MCs. Laurie coping with eating disorder and Oryan developing anxiety because of his fame. (Also I love the trope where characters who lost passion for what they love because of fame/time/etc, meets someone and then regains that passion because of them. π₯Ή)
Overall, a nice short read! Wouldn't be opposed to reading the next volume!
Note: Received an e-arc from NetGalley. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder and Mental illness
Lunar Boy by Cin Wibowo, Jes Wibowo
Also I have to say, I also REALLY loved that one of the main points or lesson in this was that going through changes (whether painful or no) is okay. Because that's what it's like to be human. We change and we welcome it, much like Indu's experiences and the people around him. Even the moon realized that.
Overall, I thought this was amazing. Maybe it's not that perfect? (like I wanted some more world-building elements), but I'm giving 5 stars just because of the overall story and how it made me feel. π₯Ί
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
FIRST READ OF 2025 AND I AM ABSOLUTELY NOT CRYING.
The vibes are like The Little Prince x Steven Universe, but make it queer and place it in an Indonesian background/setting. I thought this was so well-doneβfrom the art itself (which was so beautiful) and the storytelling (profoundly wholesome!).
I loved the Indonesian rep! I don't think I've read a YA or MG mainly featuring Indonesian culture yet, so I really appreciated this one. I also appreciated how Indu's struggles with fitting in the community were highlighted and handled. The parts about passive fluency was also really interesting! (Which oddly enough I could relate to, because I could understand my parents' Ilonggo dialect, but I'm not that confident speaking it). And while the parts in Indonesian weren't exactly translated (and that's honestly fine with me, I love that), it's also funny and cool that I feel like I could see a few similarities between Bahasa Indonesia and Filipino.
The queer rep was also so good! Like almost everyone is queer?! Hell yes please. This story featured transmasc and transfem cast, nonbinary minor characters, aroace/lesbian questioning character, panromantic character. I don't know, but I really liked that I got to see all of these identities, because, like Indu, knowing someone is queer is some form of relief and awe for me. I could totally relate to that. I also really liked Indu discovering community and learning that he can share their history as well, and be a part of them moving forward. That particular scene when someone was telling Indu about queer people trying to fit in? Yeah, I cried in that one, thanks.
"In many of the old world's cultures, queer people used to be important leaders and spiritual figures.
So for the longest time, people on Earth thought there was something wrong with being queer.
When our ancestral homeland was colonized, invaders forced the queer people of our islands into hiding or worse.
After all that's happened, queer people today are just trying to figure out how we fit back into everything again."
Also I have to say, I also REALLY loved that one of the main points or lesson in this was that going through changes (whether painful or no) is okay. Because that's what it's like to be human. We change and we welcome it, much like Indu's experiences and the people around him.
Overall, I thought this was amazing. Maybe it's not that perfect? (like I wanted some more world-building elements), but I'm giving 5 stars just because of the overall story and how it made me feel. π₯Ί
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Misgendering scene, but not done maliciously
His First Bite by D.N. Bryn
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This is probably be my last book of 2024! This was short and engaging enough, just what I need to wrap up the year I think π I'm looking forward to reading How to Date Your Neighbor and Win a Wager soon/next year, so I think this was a great introduction to the world and the main character Vincent. Have to say, I already find him relatable π
Anyway. Happy holidays everyone! This is my last review of 2024! (Literally writing this on Christmas Eve, an hour before midnight π
Inuyasha, Volume 18 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP.
Naraku is finally dead. HE IS GONE. I will not miss that dramatic bitch AT ALL π€£
Maybe the ending just felt a little too rushed for me? Not the final battle with Naraku, that actually felt drawn out. But more on the wrapping up of thingsβthe well disappearing, Kagome returning to her world, the Inugang going on with their lives, Inuyasha living without Kagome and maybe realizing and admitting to himself his feelings for her? Like I wanted to see more of that. We spent so much time seeing all of these characters go through so much pain and tragedy and violence, that I just wanted to see more of them living their lives and finding their peace after all their battles and struggles. The ending was nice, but yep I wanted it longer π
(Also let me just say a few more things... I mean, Sango and Miroku being mostly still teenagers and having THREE kids already like damn π and then Kagome being only 19 and choosing to live back in time? I just think Inuyasha can wait more than three years, don't you think π After all, he did admit in the final battle that he was born for Kagome. Now that was actually sweet.)
Anyway. What a journey it has been! I started this Inuyasha manga journey back in June on impulse. Now I've actually finished all of it π₯Ή Maybe now it's time to watch the anime as a whole?? π«£
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
InuYasha, Volume 17 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
SESSHOMARU HAS FINALLY LET GO OF TETSUSAIGA OMFG. Well this was a long time coming. I'm honestly so glad because he needed this character development π₯²
Meanwhile, Tetsusaiga has a final form (at least I hope it is and I hope Inuyasha can keep up π) and Miroku has either fucked up big time or he has made the sacrifice of a lifetime. Same goes for Sango.
And looks like Kagome has some stuff to figure out. Go to highschool? Stay with Inuyasha? There's also the fact about her powers and how she can't fully use her new bow yet. I'm excited to see what journey she has in the last volume (omfg last one!!)
Meanwhile, Tetsusaiga has a final form (at least I hope it is and I hope Inuyasha can keep up π) and Miroku has either fucked up big time or he has made the sacrifice of a lifetime. Same goes for Sango.
And looks like Kagome has some stuff to figure out. Go to highschool? Stay with Inuyasha? There's also the fact about her powers and how she can't fully use her new bow yet. I'm excited to see what journey she has in the last volume (omfg last one!!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
InuYasha, Volume 16 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
THIS WAS TOO GOOD AND TOO INTENSE. (I know I've been saying that for the past few volumes now, but I swear it really is)
Koga joining the Inugang is definitely an interesting dynamic. It makes absolute sense for him to travel with them. I would have really liked if his journey with them was longer π₯Ή
Kikyo is finally dead. Like, for real this time. Officially π Now I'm not her biggest fan, but that was sad alright. I kind of wanted her to be the one to kill Naraku? Considering their involvement kind of started this whole thing, it would have been poetic in a way I think. I still think her and Inuyasha don't have feelings for each other anymore. But nostalgia and moral responsibility always brings them back together, especially Inuyasha.
Kagome is definitely the strongest soldier here π Dealing with her feelings for Inuyasha, respecting him, respecting Kikyo (even though Kikyo doesn't even have a lot of faith in her most of the time, which is just weird), and all her complicated and honest feelings about this situation. It's wild to me how she's only 15/16(?) yet has emotional intelligence like no other. I would have went home several volumes ago and had a breakdown like pls π
ALSO Why do they keep using girls' death to further Sesshomaru's arc ππ Like first it was Kagura, and now Rin (again). And I get it, I really do, there's a lot Sesshomaru needs to learn but DAAAAMNNNN does it always have to be girls/women ππ Also this just makes me really salty about the Inuyasha anime sequel spinoff Yashahime (which I'll probably never watch) making Sesshomaru end up with Rin LMAAAAOOO WTF that is his pseudo-daughter π
Anyway yes. This would have been 5 stars if it weren't for Sesshomaru's arc near at the end lol ππ
Inuyasha, Volume 15 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I'm kinda getting scared imagining the last two volumes because the recent volumes I just read are intense ππ How is it still getting more and more intense and leveling up each time π
Naraku is a genius and is truly so annoying; I can't wait for him to die. I don't want Kohaku to die but he's set his mind on it. Inuyasha has gained another skill, but there's always something preventing him for fully uaing it. Miroku just pulled off a last minute sacrifice. And Koga, I don't know what's going to happen to him π₯² It's also glad to see Kagome with her archery skills in this one, even just for a bit at the end. I've noticed we haven't seen much of her and her bow in the last volumes I've read, which is just unfortunate. Like come on, can we see her improvements and her skills pls π₯²
Naraku is a genius and is truly so annoying; I can't wait for him to die. I don't want Kohaku to die but he's set his mind on it. Inuyasha has gained another skill, but there's always something preventing him for fully uaing it. Miroku just pulled off a last minute sacrifice. And Koga, I don't know what's going to happen to him π₯² It's also glad to see Kagome with her archery skills in this one, even just for a bit at the end. I've noticed we haven't seen much of her and her bow in the last volumes I've read, which is just unfortunate. Like come on, can we see her improvements and her skills pls π₯²
Inuyasha, Volume 14 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
November has really hit me hard bc wdym this is the first book I finished this month ππ
But anyway, yes. This is another 5 stars, sorry but this is another incredible installment π
10x more intense, funny, entertaining. I think a highlight for me is Sesshomaru's character development and then seeing the vision that is Sesskag π I hate to think that Kagura's death was only done for Sesshomaru's development (and also bc it was so fucking sad, she wasn't my favorite, but I was rooting for her freedom). But it definitely felt like there could have been something there between them. Even Totosai has said it, and Tenseiga has acknowledged it (the difference in Sesshomaru's soul). I don't know, it just makes me sad and happy at the same time.
Meanwhile, Tetsusaiga leveled up AGAIN. And the battle between Naraku and Moryomarubis getting more complicated omfg.
Also, we see Inuyasha's human form once again. And after quite a while, Kagome was actually back home. I can never understand how she's not kicked out of school yet ππ
But anyway, yes. This is another 5 stars, sorry but this is another incredible installment π
10x more intense, funny, entertaining. I think a highlight for me is Sesshomaru's character development and then seeing the vision that is Sesskag π I hate to think that Kagura's death was only done for Sesshomaru's development (and also bc it was so fucking sad, she wasn't my favorite, but I was rooting for her freedom). But it definitely felt like there could have been something there between them. Even Totosai has said it, and Tenseiga has acknowledged it (the difference in Sesshomaru's soul). I don't know, it just makes me sad and happy at the same time.
Meanwhile, Tetsusaiga leveled up AGAIN. And the battle between Naraku and Moryomarubis getting more complicated omfg.
Also, we see Inuyasha's human form once again. And after quite a while, Kagome was actually back home. I can never understand how she's not kicked out of school yet ππ